Caramelized Banana Orange Chai Granola (Allergy free!)
This delicious, allergy-free granola features caramelized bananas, orange juice and chai spice for a breakfast with strong fall vibes. Nut-free and easily adaptable to vegan diets and lactose-free diets!
Ingredients
- 2 bananas
- 2 tbsp butter (substitute neutral oil of choice for vegan / lactose-free)
- 3 small oranges, juiced (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp chai spice
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/3 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or other fruit of choice)
- 1/2 cup dried blueberries (or other fruit of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Grease one or two rectangular baking sheets.
- Heat butter or oil of choice in a medium saucepan. Break bananas into small pieces and place in the pan. Cook bananas in butter, stirring often, until golden brown and carmelized.
- Juice oranges. Pour orange juice into the saucepan along with vanilla, maple syrup, chai spice and salt.
- Mash remaining banana pieces into the sauce and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for five minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Pour rolled oats and pumpkin seeds into a large mixing bowl. Add sauce to bowl and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread evenly in a single layer on greased baking sheets. Use as many as you need to not overcrowd the granola.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, being sure to stir every 5 or so minutes to keep from burning and to break up clumps.
- When you remove your granola from the oven it will be a dark golden brown but still soft - it will crisp up after removing from heat.
- Let cool COMPLETELY and store in a sealed container.